Apple iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) Review
A compact flagship with Apple’s longest optical-quality zoom yet, silky 120 Hz display and the A19 Pro for on-device Apple Intelligence.

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Key features & specs
- Display: 6.3″ Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion up to 120 Hz and Always-On.
- Chip: A19 Pro with advanced Neural Accelerators for Apple Intelligence.
- Build: Aluminium unibody with vapor-chamber cooling; durable Ceramic Shield 2 glass.
- Cameras: Three 48 MP Fusion rear cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) + 18 MP Center Stage front.
- Zoom: up to 8× optical-quality zoom — the longest yet on iPhone.
- Size/weight: compact 6.3″ class — lighter and smaller than Pro Max.
Cameras & zoom
The 17 Pro’s triple 48 MP Fusion array brings proper flexibility for holidays: an excellent main sensor, a higher-resolution Ultra Wide for big group scenes, and a dedicated Telephoto that reaches up to 8× optical-quality zoom. It’s a meaningful upgrade over the iPhone Air’s single-lens setup if you want varied shots without cropping.
Display & performance
The 6.3″ ProMotion display feels super-smooth at up to 120 Hz and remains readable outdoors thanks to very high peak brightness. The A19 Pro keeps iOS slick and powers on-device Apple Intelligence features like advanced writing tools and image creation — with privacy benefits from local processing.
Battery & charging
Apple touts a breakthrough in battery life this generation. You get fast USB-C charging and MagSafe/Qi2 accessories for convenient top-ups at home or on trips.
Pros & cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Compact and lighter than Pro Max; easier on smaller hands | Costs more than iPhone Air |
Triple-camera versatility with up to 8× optical-quality zoom | Battery life good, but Max still lasts longer |
Super-smooth 120 Hz ProMotion display | No periscope-class zoom beyond 8× optical-quality |
A19 Pro performance + on-device Apple Intelligence | Fastest charging still needs a capable USB-C PPS charger |
Who should buy this
- Holiday photographers who want a compact phone with wide + ultra-wide + telephoto covered.
- Small-handed users who find the Pro Max heavy but still want the best iPhone camera system.
- iOS fans who value ProMotion and on-device Apple Intelligence performance.
FAQs
How big is the iPhone 17 Pro?
It’s a 6.3″ model — smaller and lighter than the 6.9″ Pro Max, making it comfier for many hands.
What cameras does it have?
Three 48 MP Fusion rear cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) and an 18 MP Center Stage front camera.
How smooth is the screen?
The OLED supports ProMotion up to 120 Hz with an Always-On display.
What chip does it use?
Apple’s A19 Pro with advanced Neural Accelerators for Apple Intelligence features.
Verdict
The iPhone 17 Pro hits the sweet spot: far more comfortable than the Pro Max for everyday use, yet vastly more versatile than the iPhone Air thanks to its triple-camera setup. If you want a brilliant travel and family phone without the bulk, this is the one to get.